David John DeLeeuw

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David John Deleeuw passed on August 30th, 2021. He was 84 years of age. Thanks to God, the caring people from Catholic Hospice, and his loving wife, Marti Deleeuw, he was able to live out the end of his life in his home in Plantation, Florida. 

David was born and raised in New Jersey. He had an older brother, Neal, and a younger sister, Dorothy. He was a life guard in the Summers and was proud that he was able to purchase a blue 55 Chevy convertible that he loved to show off until he enlisted into the Air Force while he was still in high school. He first came to Florida in the 60’s after nearly freezing to death serving in the Air Force at an air base in Greenland. He always said that he never wanted to feel as cold as he did there.

At first he worked with many different construction firms building homes and hotels across South Florida. For a few years he was positioned in the islands of the Bahamas and he was given a house with his friends while they fixed plumbing and pipe fitting problems, and major construction on the water system throughout the islands. 

His life was changed forever when he married Marti Deleeuw in 1973 after seven months. They had their daughter, Catherine Mary, in 1975 and their son, Timothy John, in 1981. Marti and Dave were happily married for 48 years.  

In his life Dave was a hard working, salt of the Earth sort of man. By day, he worked for the Dade County School District as a general foreman, and for 19 years he taught at night at  the Union Trade-School. Even with a busy schedule, he always found time for his two children. He never liked to miss a moment with either of them. He attended Catholic Mass every Sunday, and raised his children in the ways of the church, teaching them to love others as God first loved them. 

As for hobbies, he loved to fish on vacation in the tides off the coasts of Naples and staid routinely at the Vanderbuilt Inn where he and Marti first had their honeymoon. He enjoyed a quiet and peaceful life with his family most of all. 

Dave was welcomed into heaven by his brother, Neal, his mother and father, Alice and Cornelius, and many of his friends he made throughout his career. He leaves on Earth five grandchildren, his sister Dorothy, his wife Marti, his children Cathy and Tim, and many happy memories and stories. In lieu of flowers the family suggests in his memory donations to Covenant House of Florida  or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Visitation will be Friday from 6:00-8:00PM at the T.M. Ralph Plantation Funeral Home 7001 NW 4 Street Plantation, FL 33317. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday 9:30 Am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton  Roman Catholic Church in Coral Springs.

This time is difficult, when visiting at the funeral home or at the Funeral Mass facial coverings will be required. Please also follow seating guidelines and follow social distancing.  if you are unable to attend, please feel free to sign the register book electronically, or send a card to the family.  Thank you for your consideration and understanding. 

He will be missed by all who loved him.